TDI Reference

TDI Engine Code Comparison Chart

Every Volkswagen and Audi TDI diesel engine sold in North America — from the legendary ALH to the final CRUA. Complete specifications, vehicle applications, and key differences side by side.

Engine Codes

Generations

1998–2016

Production Span

90–240

HP Range

Generation Key:

VP37

Pumpe Düse

Common Rail (EA189)

EA288

V6 TDI

ALH BEW BRM BHW CBEA CJAA CKRA CRUA CASA CATA Full Comparison Table ↓

VP37

1st Gen — VP37

ALH VP37

1998–2006

EA188 Family • 1896cc (1.9L)

Power

90 HP / 66 kW

@ 3,750 RPM

Torque

210 Nm / 155 lb-ft

@ 1,900 RPM

Bore × Stroke

79.5 × 95.5mm

Compression: 19.5:1

Turbocharger

Garrett GT1749V (VNT15)

Variable geometry (VNT)

BlockCast iron
HeadAluminum 8V SOHC
Fuel SystemBosch VP37 rotary distributor pump
Inj. Pressure~1,350 bar
ECUBosch EDC15V

EmissionsEGR + oxidation catalyst
DPFNo
AdBlue/DEFNo
TimingBelt (100,000 miles)
Oil SpecVW 505.00 (4.5L with filter)

Vehicle Applications

Golf TDI MK4 (1999–2006) Jetta TDI MK4 (1999–2005) New Beetle TDI (1998–2006)

Transmissions: 5-speed manual (02J), 4-speed auto (01M)

Key Notes: Legendary reliability. Multiple documented 500K+ mile examples. Simple, robust design with no DPF or complex emissions. The gold standard for TDI longevity.

Tuning:

90→150 HP (nozzles + tune), 200+ HP (GT17/20 turbo swap)

Intake manifold flap failure
glow plug harness
MAF sensor
injection pump timing drift

Pumpe Düse

2nd Gen — Pumpe Düse

BEW Pumpe Düse

2004–2006

EA188 Family • 1896cc (1.9L)

Power

100 HP / 74 kW

@ 4,000 RPM

Torque

240 Nm / 177 lb-ft

@ 1,800–2,400 RPM

Bore × Stroke

79.5 × 95.5mm

Compression: 19.0:1

Turbocharger

BorgWarner BV39

Variable geometry (VNT)

BlockCast iron
HeadAluminum 8V SOHC
Fuel SystemBosch PD unit injectors (cam-driven)
Inj. Pressure~2,050 bar
ECUBosch EDC16U

EmissionsEGR + oxidation catalyst
DPFNo
AdBlue/DEFNo
TimingBelt (100,000 miles)
Oil SpecVW 505.01 (PD-specific) (4.5L with filter)

Vehicle Applications

Golf TDI MK4 (2004–2006) Jetta TDI MK4 (2004–2005) Jetta TDI MK5 (2005.5–2006) New Beetle TDI (2004–2006)

Transmissions: 5-speed manual (02J), 6-speed auto (09A)

Key Notes: First PD engine for North America. Higher injection pressure than ALH yields more power. Requires PD-specific 505.01 oil — regular oil will damage cam lobes.

Tuning:

100→140 HP (tune only), 180+ HP (nozzles + tune)

Cam lobe wear (wrong oil)
PD injector seal leaks
tandem pump failure
intake manifold flap

BRM Pumpe Düse

2005.5–2006

EA188 Family • 1896cc (1.9L)

Power

100 HP / 74 kW

@ 4,000 RPM

Torque

240 Nm / 177 lb-ft

@ 1,800–2,400 RPM

Bore × Stroke

79.5 × 95.5mm

Compression: 19.0:1

Turbocharger

Garrett GT1749VA

Variable geometry (VNT)

BlockCast iron
HeadAluminum 8V SOHC
Fuel SystemBosch PD unit injectors (cam-driven)
Inj. Pressure~2,050 bar
ECUBosch EDC16U34

EmissionsEGR + oxidation catalyst
DPFNo
AdBlue/DEFNo
TimingBelt (100,000 miles)
Oil SpecVW 505.01 (PD-specific) (4.5L with filter)

Vehicle Applications

Jetta TDI MK5 (2005.5–2006)

Transmissions: 5-speed manual (0A4), 6-speed DSG (02E/DQ250)

Key Notes: Updated BEW for the MK5 platform. Different turbo (Garrett vs BorgWarner), updated ECU. First TDI available with DSG dual-clutch automatic. Same 505.01 oil requirement.

Tuning:

100→140 HP (tune only), 180+ HP (nozzles + tune)

Cam lobe wear (wrong oil)
PD injector seal leaks
BRM-specific EGR cooler leaks

BHW Pumpe Düse

2004–2005

EA188 Family • 1968cc (2.0L)

Power

134 HP / 100 kW

@ 4,000 RPM

Torque

320 Nm / 236 lb-ft

@ 1,750–2,500 RPM

Bore × Stroke

81.0 × 95.5mm

Compression: 18.0:1

Turbocharger

Garrett GT1749V

Variable geometry (VNT)

BlockCast iron
HeadAluminum 16V DOHC
Fuel SystemBosch PD unit injectors (cam-driven)
Inj. Pressure~2,050 bar
ECUBosch EDC16U

EmissionsEGR + oxidation catalyst
DPFNo
AdBlue/DEFNo
TimingBelt (80,000 miles)
Oil SpecVW 505.01 (PD-specific) (5.5L with filter)

Vehicle Applications

Passat TDI B5.5 (2004–2005)

Transmissions: 5-speed Tiptronic auto (01V)

Key Notes: Only 16-valve TDI sold in North America. 2.0L displacement and DOHC head made it the most powerful 4-cylinder TDI of its era. Longitudinal mount for the Passat B5.5 platform. Very short production run — only ~2 model years.

Tuning:

134→180 HP (tune), 220+ HP (nozzles + tune + turbo)

Timing belt tensioner failure (critical)
oil sludging
turbo oil seals
cam lobe wear

Common Rail (EA189)

3rd Gen — Common Rail

CBEA Common Rail (EA189)

2009

EA189 Family • 1968cc (2.0L)

Power

140 HP / 103 kW

@ 4,000 RPM

Torque

320 Nm / 236 lb-ft

@ 1,750–2,500 RPM

Bore × Stroke

81.0 × 95.5mm

Compression: 16.5:1

Turbocharger

Honeywell/Garrett (variable geometry)

Variable geometry (VNT) with electric actuator

BlockCast iron
HeadAluminum 16V DOHC
Fuel SystemBosch common rail with piezo injectors, CP4.2 HPFP
Inj. Pressure1,800 bar
ECUBosch EDC17C46

EmissionsHP-EGR + LP-EGR + DPF + NOx storage catalyst
DPFYes — Diesel Particulate Filter
AdBlue/DEFNo
TimingBelt (120,000 miles)
Oil SpecVW 507.00 (4.7L with filter)

Vehicle Applications

Jetta TDI MK5 (2009)

Transmissions: 6-speed manual, 6-speed DSG (02E/DQ250)

Key Notes: First common rail TDI for North America. Transition engine — one model year only before CJAA replaced it. Introduced DPF, lower compression ratio, and piezo injectors. Massive 50 HP jump over PD engines.

Tuning:

140→185 HP (tune only), 200+ HP (tune + downpipe)

CP4 high-pressure fuel pump failure (metal contamination)
DPF clogging (short trips)
EGR valve carbon buildup

CJAA Common Rail (EA189)

2010–2014

EA189 Family • 1968cc (2.0L)

Power

140 HP / 103 kW

@ 4,000 RPM

Torque

320 Nm / 236 lb-ft

@ 1,750–2,500 RPM

Bore × Stroke

81.0 × 95.5mm

Compression: 16.5:1

Turbocharger

Honeywell/Garrett (variable geometry)

Variable geometry (VNT) with electric actuator

BlockCast iron
HeadAluminum 16V DOHC
Fuel SystemBosch common rail with piezo injectors, CP4.2 HPFP
Inj. Pressure1,800 bar
ECUBosch EDC17C46

EmissionsHP-EGR + LP-EGR + DPF + NOx storage catalyst
DPFYes — Diesel Particulate Filter
AdBlue/DEFNo
TimingBelt (120,000 miles)
Oil SpecVW 507.00 (4.7L with filter)

Vehicle Applications

Golf TDI MK6 (2010–2014) Jetta TDI MK6 (2011–2014) Jetta SportWagen TDI (2010–2014) Beetle TDI (2012–2014)

Transmissions: 6-speed manual, 6-speed DSG (02E/DQ250)

Key Notes: The workhorse of the common rail era. Same specs as CBEA but refined for mass production across multiple platforms. This is the engine at the center of the Dieselgate scandal — fitted with defeat device software.

Tuning:

140→185 HP (tune only), 200+ HP (tune + downpipe + intake)

CP4 HPFP failure (catastrophic — metal shavings contaminate entire fuel system)
DPF regeneration issues
EGR carbon buildup
turbo actuator failure

CKRA Common Rail (EA189)

2012–2014

EA189 Family • 1968cc (2.0L)

Power

140 HP / 103 kW

@ 4,000 RPM

Torque

320 Nm / 236 lb-ft

@ 1,750–2,500 RPM

Bore × Stroke

81.0 × 95.5mm

Compression: 16.5:1

Turbocharger

Honeywell/Garrett (variable geometry)

Variable geometry (VNT) with electric actuator

BlockCast iron
HeadAluminum 16V DOHC
Fuel SystemBosch common rail with piezo injectors, CP4.2 HPFP
Inj. Pressure1,800 bar
ECUBosch EDC17C46

EmissionsHP-EGR + LP-EGR + DPF + NOx storage catalyst
DPFYes — Diesel Particulate Filter
AdBlue/DEFNo
TimingBelt (120,000 miles)
Oil SpecVW 507.00 (4.7L with filter)

Vehicle Applications

Passat TDI B7 (2012–2014)

Transmissions: 6-speed manual, 6-speed DSG (02E/DQ250)

Key Notes: Passat-specific variant of the EA189 common rail. Transverse mount adapted for the NMS (New Midsize Sedan) platform built in Chattanooga, TN. Slightly different intake manifold and mounting brackets vs CJAA.

Tuning:

140→185 HP (tune only), 200+ HP (tune + supporting mods)

Same CP4 failure risk as CJAA
intake manifold runner control failures
DPF issues in city driving

EA288

3.5 Gen — EA288 Common Rail

CRUA EA288

2015–2016

EA288 Family • 1968cc (2.0L)

Power

150 HP / 110 kW

@ 3,500–4,000 RPM

Torque

340 Nm / 251 lb-ft

@ 1,750–3,000 RPM

Bore × Stroke

81.0 × 95.5mm

Compression: 16.2:1

Turbocharger

Honeywell/Garrett (variable geometry)

Variable geometry (VNT) with electric actuator

BlockCast iron
HeadAluminum 16V DOHC
Fuel SystemBosch common rail with solenoid injectors, CP4.2 HPFP
Inj. Pressure2,000 bar
ECUBosch EDC17C74 / Continental Simos PCR2.1

EmissionsHP-EGR + LP-EGR + DPF + SCR (AdBlue/DEF)
DPFYes — Diesel Particulate Filter
AdBlue/DEFYes — Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR)
TimingBelt (130,000 miles)
Oil SpecVW 507.00 (4.7L with filter)

Vehicle Applications

Golf TDI MK7 (2015–2016) Golf SportWagen TDI MK7 (2015–2016) Jetta TDI MK6 (2015–2016) Beetle TDI (2015–2016) Passat TDI B8 (2015–2016) Audi A3 TDI (2015–2016)

Transmissions: 6-speed manual, 6-speed DSG (DQ250), 7-speed DSG (DQ200)

Key Notes: New EA288 platform replacing EA189. Switched from piezo to solenoid injectors. Added SCR/AdBlue system for NOx reduction. Higher injection pressure (2,000 bar). Also affected by Dieselgate — VW offered buybacks and fix packages. Production ended when VW pulled TDI from North America.

Tuning:

150→190 HP (tune only), 220+ HP (tune + hardware)

Dieselgate emissions fix reduced performance and fuel economy
AdBlue system failures (heater
pump
NOx sensors)
CP4 still present

V6 TDI

V6 TDI — Common Rail

CASA V6 TDI

2009–2012

EA897 Family • 2967cc (3.0L)

Power

225 HP / 165 kW

@ 3,500 RPM

Torque

406 Nm / 299 lb-ft

@ 1,750–2,750 RPM

Bore × Stroke

83.0 × 91.4mm

Compression: 16.8:1

Turbocharger

Single turbo with variable geometry

Variable geometry (VNT)

BlockCompacted graphite iron (CGI)
HeadAluminum 24V DOHC
Fuel SystemBosch common rail with piezo injectors
Inj. Pressure2,000 bar
ECUBosch EDC17CP44

EmissionsEGR + DPF + NOx storage + SCR (later models)
DPFYes
AdBlue/DEF2009–2012: No / 2013+: Yes
TimingChain (front-mounted) (Lifetime (but check for stretch at ~120K miles))
Oil SpecVW 507.00 (8.0L with filter)

Vehicle Applications

VW Touareg TDI (2009–2012) Audi Q7 TDI (2009–2012)

Transmissions: 8-speed automatic (Aisin)

Key Notes: First gen V6 TDI for North America. Compacted graphite iron block is stronger and lighter than conventional cast iron. Timing chain at the front (not rear like some V6 TDIs). Capable tow vehicle — 7,700 lb rated (Touareg).

Tuning:

225→280 HP (tune only), 300+ HP (tune + exhaust)

Timing chain stretch (tensioner failure)
oil cooler seal leaks
EGR cooler failure
turbo actuator

CATA V6 TDI

2013–2016

EA897 Family • 2967cc (3.0L)

Power

240 HP / 176 kW

@ 3,800 RPM

Torque

428 Nm / 316 lb-ft

@ 1,750–2,750 RPM

Bore × Stroke

83.0 × 91.4mm

Compression: 16.8:1

Turbocharger

Single turbo with variable geometry

Variable geometry (VNT)

BlockCompacted graphite iron (CGI)
HeadAluminum 24V DOHC
Fuel SystemBosch common rail with piezo injectors
Inj. Pressure2,000 bar
ECUBosch EDC17CP44

EmissionsEGR + DPF + SCR (AdBlue/DEF)
DPFYes
AdBlue/DEFYes
TimingChain (front-mounted) (Lifetime (but check for stretch at ~120K miles))
Oil SpecVW 507.00 (8.0L with filter)

Vehicle Applications

VW Touareg TDI (2013–2016) Audi Q7 TDI (2013–2015) Audi A6 TDI (2014) Audi A7 TDI (2014) Audi A8 TDI (2014–2015)

Transmissions: 8-speed automatic (Aisin/ZF)

Key Notes: Updated V6 TDI Gen II (DCPC/DCPE in later Audi applications). More power, added SCR/AdBlue, updated engine management. Also affected by Dieselgate. The Audi A6/A7/A8 TDI models were extremely limited production in the US.

Tuning:

240→300 HP (tune only), 340+ HP (tune + exhaust + intake)

Same timing chain concerns as CASA
AdBlue system failures
oil cooler seals
turbo actuator

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Spec	ALH	BEW	BRM	BHW	CBEA	CJAA	CKRA	CRUA	CASA	CATA
Years	1998–2006	2004–2006	2005.5–2006	2004–2005	2009	2010–2014	2012–2014	2015–2016	2009–2012	2013–2016
Family	EA188	EA188	EA188	EA188	EA189	EA189	EA189	EA288	EA897	EA897
Displacement	1896cc (1.9L)	1896cc (1.9L)	1896cc (1.9L)	1968cc (2.0L)	1968cc (2.0L)	1968cc (2.0L)	1968cc (2.0L)	1968cc (2.0L)	2967cc (3.0L)	2967cc (3.0L)
Power	90 HP	100 HP	100 HP	134 HP	140 HP	140 HP	140 HP	150 HP	225 HP	240 HP
Torque	155 lb-ft	177 lb-ft	177 lb-ft	236 lb-ft	236 lb-ft	236 lb-ft	236 lb-ft	251 lb-ft	299 lb-ft	316 lb-ft
Compression	19.5:1	19.0:1	19.0:1	18.0:1	16.5:1	16.5:1	16.5:1	16.2:1	16.8:1	16.8:1
Block	Cast iron	Cast iron	Cast iron	Cast iron	Cast iron	Cast iron	Cast iron	Cast iron	Compacted graphite iron (CGI)	Compacted graphite iron (CGI)
Head	Aluminum 8V SOHC	Aluminum 8V SOHC	Aluminum 8V SOHC	Aluminum 16V DOHC	Aluminum 16V DOHC	Aluminum 16V DOHC	Aluminum 16V DOHC	Aluminum 16V DOHC	Aluminum 24V DOHC	Aluminum 24V DOHC
Turbo	Garrett GT1749V (VNT15)	BorgWarner BV39	Garrett GT1749VA	Garrett GT1749V	Honeywell/Garrett (variable geometry)	Honeywell/Garrett (variable geometry)	Honeywell/Garrett (variable geometry)	Honeywell/Garrett (variable geometry)	Single turbo with variable geometry	Single turbo with variable geometry
Fuel System	Bosch VP37 rotary distributor pump	Bosch PD unit injectors (cam-driven)	Bosch PD unit injectors (cam-driven)	Bosch PD unit injectors (cam-driven)	Bosch common rail with piezo injectors, CP4.2 HPFP	Bosch common rail with piezo injectors, CP4.2 HPFP	Bosch common rail with piezo injectors, CP4.2 HPFP	Bosch common rail with solenoid injectors, CP4.2 HPFP	Bosch common rail with piezo injectors	Bosch common rail with piezo injectors
Inj. Pressure	~1,350 bar	~2,050 bar	~2,050 bar	~2,050 bar	1,800 bar	1,800 bar	1,800 bar	2,000 bar	2,000 bar	2,000 bar
ECU	Bosch EDC15V	Bosch EDC16U	Bosch EDC16U34	Bosch EDC16U	Bosch EDC17C46	Bosch EDC17C46	Bosch EDC17C46	Bosch EDC17C74 / Continental Simos PCR2.1	Bosch EDC17CP44	Bosch EDC17CP44
DPF	No	No	No	No	Yes — Diesel Particulate Filter	Yes — Diesel Particulate Filter	Yes — Diesel Particulate Filter	Yes — Diesel Particulate Filter	Yes	Yes
AdBlue	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	Yes — Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR)	2009–2012: No / 2013+: Yes	Yes
Timing	Belt	Belt	Belt	Belt	Belt	Belt	Belt	Belt	Chain (front-mounted)	Chain (front-mounted)
Oil Spec	VW 505.00	VW 505.01 (PD-specific)	VW 505.01 (PD-specific)	VW 505.01 (PD-specific)	VW 507.00	VW 507.00	VW 507.00	VW 507.00	VW 507.00	VW 507.00
Oil Capacity	4.5L with filter	4.5L with filter	4.5L with filter	5.5L with filter	4.7L with filter	4.7L with filter	4.7L with filter	4.7L with filter	8.0L with filter	8.0L with filter

TDI Technology Evolution

Feature	VP37 (1998)	Pumpe Düse (2004)	Common Rail (2009)	EA288 (2015)
Injection Type	Rotary distributor pump	Cam-driven unit injectors	High-pressure common rail	Common rail (refined)
Max Injection Pressure	~1,350 bar	~2,050 bar	1,800 bar	2,000 bar
Multiple Injection Events	No (single injection)	Limited (pre-injection)	Yes (pilot + main + post)	Yes (up to 8 events/cycle)
Injector Type	Mechanical nozzle	Solenoid unit injector	Piezoelectric	Solenoid (fast-switching)
NVH (Noise)	Diesel clatter	Louder (mechanical)	Much quieter	Near-gasoline quiet
Emissions Hardware	EGR only	EGR + catalyst	EGR + DPF + NOx trap	EGR + DPF + SCR/AdBlue
Valvetrain	8V SOHC	8V SOHC (mostly)	16V DOHC	16V DOHC
Oil Specification	505.00 (standard)	505.01 (PD-specific)	507.00	507.00
Complexity	Low	Medium	High	Very High
DIY Friendliness	Excellent	Good	Moderate	Difficult

Which TDI Is Right for You?

Best for Reliability

ALH

Proven 500K+ mile reliability. No DPF, no AdBlue, no complex emissions. Simple VP37 injection is cheap to maintain. The TDI community's favorite for a reason.

Best for Daily Driving

CJAA

140 HP common rail is refined and powerful. Quietest of the older TDIs. Great fuel economy (40+ MPG). Widely available and affordable post-Dieselgate. Just watch the CP4 pump.

Best for Tuning

BHW

The only 16-valve PD engine in North America. 2.0L displacement with the highest per-cylinder injection pressure. Strong bottom end. Rare but rewarding for builders.

Best for Towing

CATA

240 HP V6 TDI in the Touareg or Q7. 316 lb-ft of torque. 7,700+ lb tow rating. Highway cruising machine. Higher maintenance costs but nothing else in the VW lineup comes close.

TDI Technical Reference Pages

Disclaimer: RWC Motorsport is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to Volkswagen AG, Audi AG, or any of their subsidiaries. "Volkswagen," "VW," "Audi," "TDI," and all engine code designations are trademarks of their respective owners. All specifications are compiled from official VW/Audi service literature, self-study programs, and verified community resources. Specifications may vary by market, model year, and production date. Always verify critical specifications against official service documentation before performing any work on your vehicle. Some data is sourced from VW Self-Study Programs (SSPs), Audi Service Training materials, and Bosch technical literature.